The Galaxy S6 is the hottest Android phone on the market right now, but it's not perfect. Some owners of this device have started reporting a bug that prevents them from dismissing a Samsung terms and conditions popup. Oh, it goes away at first, but then it takes over the screen again several minutes later.

The popup is for the "Enhanced Features" component that includes Simple Sharing. This feature lets you push large files and profile information to your contacts. A lot of people probably just agree the first time it appears, but the fine print is clear that agreeing means your phone number, messages, and contacts will be collected by Samsung. You would not be crazy to want no part of that. No matter how many times you tap "Decline," the popup keeps coming back.

This popup pulls you out of whatever else you were doing, making the device nigh impossible to use:

Not all the victims of this bug are saying exactly which version of the phone they have, but the most common seems to be T-Mobile GS6 Edge. At least one person says they're on the regular T-Mobile Galaxy S6, so maybe it's a T-Mobile thing. I should add, however, I have tested a T-Mobile GS6 and the bug is not present on that particular phone. So at the very least it's not universal.

A few intrepid consumers have contacted Samsung to complain about the issue, but big surprise, the front-line customer service reps have no information. One device owner was (allegedly) told to just accept the terms. Whatever is going on here, it's something Samsung needs to address ASAP.

There may be a way to get this screen to stop popping up, courtesy of +Robert Ray. If you go into the Contacts app and open your own profile at the top, you can shut off profile sharing. Rather, you should be able to. On affected phones, the phone seems to hang trying to disable the feature. This might be the reason the dialog keeps reasserting itself.

Below the toggle there should be a "Registered information" option (as seen above). You can use this to deregister your number from profile sharing, which should stop the popups. The only GS6 I have on hand isn't suffering from this bug, so I can only say that these menus exist and it's probably worth fiddling around with them if you're having this issue.

Comments

I agree. I have a note 4 it's done btw 1pm lol. I always have a charger with me lol

Derik Taylor

Go with the Nexus 6. Typically I am at 60% by 8 PM.

Cliff W

I have to charge my nexus 6 twice a day by 4 pm I'm down to 20% and I have it on low brightness and don't use it much.

Suicide_Note

Something is wrong with your phone then. I'm on mine a lot throughout the day, and still have about 20% - 30% battery left at 6 pm when I get home from work. It comes off the charger at 5:45 am to start the day, by the way.

blindexecutioner

That's good. I bet that person is on their second charge of the day.

lai

That notification bar? You know that is all android phones. If you want something more aesthetically pleasing, maybe consider an iPhone.

james fuston

The point was to draw attention to the fact that there's only room for 5 actual notifications. Literally 2/3 of the bar is taken up by status icons. That is not the case with several other manufacturer skins.

Also, iPhones don't have notification bars.

P.S. The iOS notification shade is literally the worst, most jumbled thing ever.

Merkin McGee

I have never had enough notifications to the point the arrow appears to indicate there were even more unseen. Never.

Dimocrats=NewNazis

I use the wireless charger, not a problem, I rarely go below 84%

ithehappy

You would not be crazy to want no part of that.

You sure about that line? I mean this is the first time on this earth a phone is wanting to collect your information right?

liperus

It makes sense

shojus

Every phone nowadays has little checkboxes throughout the phones settings that allow you to enable/disable certain privacy "features" that you don't want to be on. I am thinking this has to do with allowing Sammy to collect data, which has a decline button in the initial device setup, but Apple has this stuff too. It's hidden deep within the settings and basically tracks your every move. It's getting pretty ridiculous nowadays but in reality, every company is doing this in some form. Now whatever is popping up should not be, but I can guarantee that it's able to be solved quite easily, especially since you can disable almost any app on the phone. Keep in mind, I said "almost"...

As I understand, someone activated "enhanced feature" which needs this confirmation in order to work right? then refuse to agree but does not turn off the feature. right? so pop up keeps popping to remind you: hey you said you want this feature please agree to this. i do not have s6 but could it be step 1. hit decline step 2. turn off feature?

and about "collecting your phone number".. when you use viber (for example) how do you think that app connects you to desire contact? by "collecting" your phone number.

is this article even serious?

Steven Stratton

Collecting means they are storing it somewhere. Viber mearly has access to the phone numbers. While it has the ability to upload numbers to a server, it's unlikely that it will.

random VoIP

Hate to break it to you, but Viber and all other VoIP apps do upload your numbers to a server. Mostly to see if any contacts are contacts or to share it across web portals, but they are uploaded and periodically rechecked.
-anonymous VoIP dev

Roh_Mish

They have to. That's how they compare it with subscriber list and show you who is available on service.

saf1927

They do, as do competing services. That's how they compare numbers using their services and numbers that don't. And if you trust a company like Viber, there's no reason not to trust Samsung. Of course this bug needs a fix, but from here to making a huge deal out of it, when you are probably even storing your contacts on a Google account, seems a bit hypocritical. I'm not talking about you specifically, just in general.

It's far more likely that a small company in need of quick cash is going to sell your data, rather than being scared of Samsung doing so. For them a small database of numbers would only earn pocket change.

RyanWhitwam

Just... no. The correct behavior for this would be to not enable anything if you decline. I don't know what they did to trigger it the first time, but it's absolutely not clear from that popup how to disable the feature, not that I think that's even the issue -- this is a bug. Most devices aren't doing this at all. I don't know why I'm bothering here as I'm pretty sure you're a troll.

Robert Ray

This screen pops up over whatever you are doing with the phone, and gives little hint to what you need to turn off to make it go away. You actually have to open the Contacts app, then edit "My Profile" and turn off Profile sharing. Except, when you try, it gives you a progress dialog that never goes away. You actually have to dig into "Registered information" and deregister your phone number. It warned me that this couldn't be undone...

I have the T-Mobile GS6 and that doesn't happen to me at all. Never seen that screen.

erocm123

My wife's T-Mobile S6 was doing this. It was very annoying but she finally just clicked "agree". What made us so hesitant was that it didn't really say what app it was coming from or why it was all the sudden popping up.

jonathan3579

It appearwd once on my T-Mobile S6 edge and I accepted it and haven't seen it since.

The number one worst part about Samsung is their total LACK of customer service! They literally have none! I called a few times just for shits and giggles and I told the lady that the battery in my phone exploded and burnt my skin and you know what she responded with? "We can send you a replacement battery as soon as we get the defective one back". OMG! Really?? I continued to explain how I should not send a battery like that in the US mail because it was dangerous and leaking battery acid and she continued with the most absurd remarks of any rep I had ever talked to. You would think that my safety would have been in question but she did not even ask! Getting back on topic, Samsung reps just don't care and they make it damn obvious that they are reading out of a book. HTC may build some of the same looking smart phones that deliver lackluster cameras, but at least they can offer decent customer service! Motorola is great as well but Samsung, well they are DEAD LAST!

Nathan Fernandes

should have recorded the convo and put it up on youtube or soundcloud for everyone to hear

shojus

Ya, I suppose I should have. Maybe I'll come back for a round 2! ;)

Snttnatan

BS.

shojus

Ya I love the attention I get so I tell stories all over the internet to get upvoted cause it makes me feel wanted! Lol Get outta here... Exactly what do you think is BS? Cause I guarantee if you call in and make some dumb shit up they will act as if they are retarded! Samsung needs to spend money on it's customer service department rather than building a production plant the size of "300 soccer fields". Just cause they can sell products means nothing! You have to take care of those people that buy your products or they will look elsewhere.

Simone

If a company should listen to any random guy on phone saying something absurd they would all fail, I call BS.
If you got really burnt go to a lawyer, a man behind a phone can't solve your problem, 'Yeah dude I'm sry we will send you millions of dollars just wait! Ah no we don't need any proof you are obviously the most honorable person in the world we know you!.'

shojus

Apparently this one went way over your head! Dude, I did not get burnt nor did a battery explode, but I can tell you that every single time that I called them legitimately, and spoke in a kind voice, I had to talk to someone that could barely speak my language and that sounded like he or she had no idea about the products that they were hired for to discuss and troubleshoot! The whole reason I even brought this up is that I really wanted to know what these retards would say, and they proved my point clearly, and so did you! ;)

Simone

'I called a few times just for shits and giggles and I told the lady that the battery in my phone exploded and burnt my skin and you know what she responded with? '
So it was a fake call? Well we called right then, not gona argue with someone making fake calls and losing time annoying customer support, then whining on internet.

shojus

The reason why I called is because it was so laughable how their tech support is for a real and MINOR problem, so lets spice it up a bit and see how they react?? JUST AS DUMB!!! Proved my point that it does not matter the problem, they are idiots! And yes, I like to laugh at companies that can't get their shit straight so it was actually quite fun to hear their pathetic responses. Go talk shit to someone else cause I am trolled out 4 the day. Have fun with that bud. ;) **xoxo** That was because i made u my bitch!

Simone

Dude you know that guy that is so annoying that even the customer support hang up on him, you are that guy.
You didn't got any problem and so you didn't need anything solved, come again when you have a problem and they didn't solve it, instead of just being a bitch to working ppl.

You absolutely have no life if you're the type of guy that calls customer service to tell lies for craps and giggles just because. #Dumb

shojus

You got it! That's exactly why I am here discussing this with you, because you obviously don't have much of one yourself my friend. WOW, some people need to stay off the internet and one of them is you. You probably voted for Obama right? Lmao jk bud! #hashtagsareforpeoplethathaverealliveslikeyouright?

Fanatoli Guyoff

Actually it's a pretty entertaining thing to do. People with personality and wit do these kinds of things. I guess maybe you're a bit dull.

patrik

Wow, you're fucking brilliant. You called ONE person from a company that has 500,000 employees, and you're judging everyone of them because of ONE person.

Grow the fuck up.

shojus

Ya dude , I called one person! READ u idiot! I had to have one of my phones sent in 4 damn times and 3 of those were for the same problem... I also have 3 Samsung Gear watches that have had multiple issues. You have no idea who I am so don't go assuming because I post something negative that I don't have experience dealing with their support staff because I do! I have NEVER talked to so many people from the same company that were all clueless. I'm sure they are not all as dumb as rocks, but from MY experience that is what I have concluded! So I am wrong because you assume I only talked to support once?? I buy every damn flagship phone that comes out every year and how many do you think are Samsung? So ya, I have spoken with a few dumbass reps in my day so don't act like you know my situation. And who needs to grow up? Mr. "I am all pissed off at some random guy cause he says that Samsung reps are idiots"! You my friend, are who needs to grow up!

Zachary Jon Nelsen

To repeat yourself with the same outcome expecting a difference is the definition of insanity. You're the idiot. Change phones. That simple.

shojus

OMG! You actually know the definition of insanity! I'm proud of you... This thread is almost 6 months old and you found the urge to comment on something by calling someone an idiot and giving them a suggestion to "change phones" ?? Ok, so I will just buy a new phone and then accept the fact that it is defective and change the phone to a different brand/model so that I can sell a phone that is defective and lose money? You sir are brilliant! Why did I not think of that b4! WoW

Zachary Jon Nelsen

Good job little buddy. You're a terrible troll by the way.also it's obvious you don'tget out much because most malls have a drop box for phones that will exchange a phone for money. But i guess you have to have a reason to leave the house to know that.

shojus

Ya and you get out a hell of a lot judging by the looks of u... Lmao Let me guess, you sometimes wear purple shoes and have red hair? Oh, and maybe just a TAD overweight from sitting around playing video games and reading Harry Potter books, talking to people that made comments from 6 months ago? I'm probably spot on because those are the exact kind of people that like to talk shit on the internet behind a keyboard. You kinds of people make me laugh! I used to be stationed out there in Cali when I was in the Military and it's a pretty nice place. I won't say anymore but just be careful, cause all kinds of crazies out there man! :)

Zachary Jon Nelsen

I love when people get cornered they some how end up being in some form of military. Like that makes you anything more than a meat bag. A bullet will pass through you just like it will anyone else. And I've never had red hair. :) so either guess again, or whatever it is im sure you're bound to do. Because pathetic lifeless people like you always have to have the last word. So I suppose I'll give it to you. After all, it's all you have.

Piotr

Accept the terms and move along.

TheOiulkj

Yes, just follow him and the rest of the sheep through the fence gate, it's safe there, samsung will take care of you.

If you use Truecaller you already have the feature of sharing all your contact data with >everyone<!

ChrisLaarman

I have had the Galaxy S6 for weeks now, bought from T-Mobile (Netherlands) with a subscription renewal.
Only yesterday did this bug occur. Even though I'm quite alert on software updates, still awaiting the RAM-leak fix. I was surprised to find (by reading the terms) that this was related to Samsung, rather than the app I was using.
Yes, I saw no option but to accept the terms. Thank you, Ryan, for offering this fix!

Off-topic:
This is a 128GB S6 with the Sony camera.

IncCo

Samsung annoying you until you give it up. Just bend over users, and take it.

The worst part of Samsung phones is that they put their software on them. Now they are even flaunting it in our face. I had the same issue on my Note3. But there is a way to say "decline": It's not the most straight forward, but samsung users are used to the Samsung ways → just root your phone, then delete sCloudSyncContacts.apk from the system/app directory using the file manager of your choice. This will knock the KNOX flag and you loose warranty on your $800 device, but at least Samsung doesn't get to share your personal data.

Profile sharing is off on my T-Mobile S6 edge, after reading this, it's staying off

Gregory

Samsung just doesn't know how to software. It's such a shame they don't sell an AOSP variant of their phones so everybody has to flash the usable ROM himself.

Dimocrats=NewNazis

Still better than HTC. They would be fine if they would stop using blind people to do their coding.

Trey

my gf & i have the non edge gs6 on t-mob. Both of us are receiving this stupid azz msg daily. It's beyond annoying. I just tried to turn off sharing my profile but it's not completing the task! Wtf is going on. Not to mention only a month in & my micro USB doesn't acknowledge when charger is attached at times. Each day that goes by i wish I would have stuck with htc. Sammy is buggy & glitchy. The only great things about this device are the camera, & screen's appearance. W/Tmob jump I'd have to fork over 3 hundo to get another device. Boooo.

Kimberly

I'm on my S6 (not Edge) so loading all the comments is getting tedious and I apologize if this is redundant. I found the solution for turning off Profile Sharing that's not what's described above (which simply locked up my phone, forcing me to reboot). On the same screen, at the bottom is the choice to see the registered information. I went into that then went into the More selection at the top and chose to deregister the device. So far so good.

Violet Hawthorn

Oh my god! you are my hero!!! I almost threw the phone out the window today. THANK YOU! The fix in the article did not work at all.

Rob

I'm having the same popup on my s6 edge with Sprint. Trying to turn off profile sharing hangs.

Rob

Through my research and calling both Samsung (no help) and Sprint, it appears to be a virus. I also noticed a message from an unkown source in my text messages from 9355 with a link in it. I cleared cache and data and any apps I got in the last 3 weeks or so, since I couldn't figure out which one might have cause this. It appears that the issue is gone, but I may do a factory reset anyway.

Kimberly

I'm on an S6 (not Edge). I found the solution for turning off Profile Sharing that's not what's described above (which simply locked up my phone, forcing me to reboot). On the same screen, at the bottom is the choice to see the registered information. I went into that then went into the More selection at the top and chose to deregister the device. So far so good.

I have a Samsung Galaxy 6s from T-Mobile. I tried the suggested fix, but it keeps hanging whenever I try to disable it in my profile. I also noticed that the registered number that shows on the profile is the original number that came with the plan before my port over took place. I'm wondering if this is a possible issue. I just started getting this popup today, and i've had the phone for about a month now. It does come on at random times, but the time that it pops up the most is when I get a phone call.

Brett Sutherland

The fix they suggested did the same thing for me. I just went ahead and de-registered my number (when you hit registered number, another screen comes up). That automatically turned my profile sharing off.

Ajith Tom George

Don't press agree if you want to keep your data secure. Here is the safe way to stop this without compromising any of your data.

here is a video about transferring contacts from galaxy s5 to new galaxy
s6 edge +, also works with iPhone, Sony, LG, Motorola and more other phone
Find the video from my Profile

George Zullich

Worse yet was a Touch Wiz popup banner that began to appear, I was exiting the vehicle in a hurry and anxious to get to my normal apps and clicked it. It turned my desktop into something a 6 year old would setup. No backing out of this ugly mess other than installing anither launcher or facrory reset. Not happy with Samsucks